Chemical and structural composition of black pigmented supragingival biofilm of bovines with periodontitis / Composição química e estrutural do biofilme supragengival pigmentado de bovinos com periodontite

Bovine periodontitis is a multifactorial disease primarily associated with a potentially pathogenic microbiota housed in the oral biofilm of animals. Biofilms are organized structures, in which the constituents coexist in symbiosis, already described as a predisposing factor to periodontitis in other species. The objective of the present study was to characterize the structure and chemical aspects of the bovine black pigmented supragingival biofilm using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), respectively, and determine its relationship with bovine periodontitis. Eleven premolar teeth from different animals were evaluated; five non-pigmented samples and six samples with black pigmented biofilms were initially submitted to SEM, and three areas of these samples were selected for EDS. The structure of the pigmented biofilm was more complex and irregular because of a higher content of mineral elements. The semi-quantitative EDS data indicated an association of iron (p<0.014) and magnesium (p<0.001) with the occurrence of periodontitis, whereas carbon, phosphorus, calcium, manganese, sodium, and potassium were not associated with the disease. Carbon (p<0.039), manganese (p<0.007), and iron (p<0.015) were associated with pigmentation, whereas phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium were not associated with it. Spearman correlation test showed the relationships between calcium and phosphorus, and iron and silicon. The strong association of iron in the pigmented supragingival biofilm and with the occurrence of periodontitis suggests the presence of microorganisms that use this element in their metabolism and that are also associated with bovine periodontitis. This study suggests that the pigmented deposits in the crown of the teeth of cattle are an true biofilm with the deposition of iron, and it indicates that the presence of iron and magnesium in these formations may be involved in the metabolism of some microorganisms associated with the etiology of bovine periodontitis.(AU)

A periodontite bovina é uma infecção multifatorial associada primariamente à microbiota potencialmente patogênica presente no biofilme bucal. Biofilmes são estruturas organizadas, nas quais os constituintes convivem em simbiose, descritos em outras espécies como um fator predisponente à periodontite. O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar estrutural e quimicamente o biofilme supragengival pigmentado de preto em bovinos, utilizando-se as técnicas de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e espectroscopia de dispersão de energia (EDS), respectivamente, correlacionando os elementos identificados à ocorrência de periodontite e pigmentação. Foram avaliados 11 dentes primeiro-molares; cinco amostras sem pigmentação visível e seis amostras com biofilme pigmentado de preto, que foram submetidas inicialmente à MEV; posteriormente foram selecionadas três áreas aleatórias de cada dente para realização da EDS. A estrutura do biofilme pigmentado revelou formações irregulares e mais complexas, provavelmente devido ao maior acúmulo de elementos minerais. Os resultados semi-quantitativos da EDS apontaram associações entre a presença de ferro (p<0,014) e magnésio (p<0,001) com a ocorrência de periodontite. Carbono, fósforo, cálcio, manganês, sódio e potássio não apresentaram associação com a periodontite. Em relação à pigmentação, carbono (p<0,039), manganês (p<0,007) e ferro (p<0,015) foram os elementos estatisticamente significantes, enquanto fósforo, cálcio e magnésio não apresentaram associação com a pigmentação. O teste de correlação de Spearman demonstrou associações entre os elementos cálcio e fósforo, e ferro e silício. A forte associação do ferro presente no biofilme supragengival com a ocorrência de periodontite, sugere a presença de micro-organismos que utilizam este elemento em seu metabolismo e que possivelmente tenham envolvimento com o desenvolvimento da periodontite bovina. Os resultados inéditos do presente trabalho sugerem que os depósitos pigmentados que se formam na coroa dos dentes de bovinos são um biofilme verdadeiro com deposição de ferro, e indicam que a presença de ferro e magnésio nestas formações pode estar envolvida no metabolismo de alguns dos principais micro-organismos associados à etiologia da periodontite bovina.(AU)

Protocol of toothbrushing based on bioavailability of fluoride in toothpaste: a systematic review / Protocolo de cepillado basado en la biodisponibilidad del flúor en dentífricos: una revisión sistemática

The objective of the study is to propose a protocol for the appropriate use of fluorides in dentifrices (Dt), based on its bioavailability in saliva (Bs) and / or plaque (Bp) through a systematic review (SR). SR of the literature from 2005 to 2015 in PubMed, Cochrane and SciELO. Inclusion criteria: clinical studies in vivo, Spanish and English, made only with Dt that measured Bs and Bp. The results were evaluated in relation to: 1) Concentration of fluoride in Dt, 2) Brushing time with Dt, 3) Frequency of brushing, 4) Rinse post-brushing and 5) Amount of Dt on the brush. Twelve (12) studies were selected. 1) Bs increases 241 % when using a 5000 ppm of Dt compared to 1450 ppm. 2) Bs is increased by 55 % by increasing the duration of brushing 40 s to 120 s 3) Bp increases by 68 % when brushing 3 times a day compared to 2 times. 4) Not rinsing or rinsing with <10 ml for <10 s increases Bs to 270 % compared to rinses higher volume / time. 5) By increasing the amount of Dt of 0.5 g to 1.5 g, Bs increases up to 266 %. The use of 1.5 g of Dt 1450 ppm of fluoride for 120 s, 3 times a day is recommended and once brushing is complete avoiding oral rinse with water or non fluoride mouthwash.

El objetivo de este studio es proponer un protocolo para el uso adecuado de fluoruros en dentífricos (Dt), basado en su biodisponibilidad en saliva (Bs) y/o placa (Bp) mediante una revisión sistemática (RS). RS de la literatura 2005- 2015 en PubMed, Cochrane y SciELO. Criterios de inclusión: estudios clínicos in vivo, español e inglés, realizados únicamente con Dt que midieran Bs y Bp. Los resultados fueron evaluados en relación a: 1) Concentración de flúor en el Dt, 2) Tiempo de cepillado con Dt, 3) Frecuencia de cepillado, 4) Enjuague post-cepillado y 5) Cantidad de Dt en el cepillo. Fueron seleccionados 12 estudios. 1) La Bs aumenta en un 241 % al utilizar un Dt de 5000 ppm en comparación con un 1450 ppm. 2) Bs aumenta en un 55 % al aumentar la duración del cepillado de 40 s a 120 s, 3) La Bp aumenta en un 68 % al cepillarse 3 veces al día en comparación a 2 veces. 4) No enjuagarse o enjuagues de <10 ml por <10 s puede aumentar la Bs hasta en un 270 % en comparación a enjuagues con mayor volumen/tiempo. 5) Al aumentar la cantidad de Dt de 0,5 g a 1,5 g, la Bs aumenta hasta en un 266 %. Se recomienda utilizar 1,5 g de Dt 1450 ppm de flúor por 120 s, 3 veces al día, y evitar enjuague oral con agua o colutorios sin flúor una vez finalizado el cepillado.

Patients with dental calculus have increased saliva and gingival crevicular fluid fetuin-A levels but no association with fetuin-A polymorphisms

ABSTRACT: Fetuin-A is a potent inhibitor of calcium-phosphate precipitation and of the calcification process, therefore it can also be related with dental calculus. Thus, we aimed to investigate a possible relationship between fetuin-A gene polymorphism and the presence of dental calculus. A possible relationship between serum, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of fetuin-A was also investigated. Fetuin-A c.742C > T and c.766C > G polymorphisms were investigated in 103 patients with or without dental calculus. Additionally, serum, saliva and GCF fetuin-A levels of patients were compared according to dental calculus presence. A significant difference was not observed in the distribution of the fetuin-A c.742C > T and c.766C > G polymorphisms between patients with or without dental calculus. Saliva and GCF fetuin-A concentrations of patients with dental calculus were statistically higher than those without dental calculus (P=0.001, P=0.036 respectively). According to our results, fetuin-A c.742C > T and c.766C > G polymorphisms were not associated with presence of dental calculus. However, higher GCF and saliva fetuin-A levels were detected in patients with dental calculus than in patients without dental calculus, which may result from an adaptive mechanism to inhibit mineral precipitation and eventually calculus formation.

Caries-free subjects have high levels of urease and arginine deiminase activity

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between urease and arginine deiminase system (ADS) activities and dental caries through a cross-sectional study. Material and Methods: Urease and ADS activities were measured in saliva and plaque samples from 10 caries-free subjects and 13 caries-active. Urease activity was obtained from the ammonia produced by incubation of plaque and saliva samples in urea. ADS activity was obtained from the ammonia generated by the arginine-HCl and Tris-maleate buffer. Specific activity was defined as micromoles of ammonia per minute per milligram of protein. Shapiro-Wilk statistical test was used to analyze the distribution of the data, and Mann-Whitney test was used to determine the significance of the data. Results: The specific urease activity in saliva and plaque was significantly higher in individuals with low DMFT scores. ADS activity in saliva (6.050 vs 1.350, p=0.0154) and plaque (8.830 vs 1.210, p=0.025) was also higher in individuals with low DMFT scores. Conclusions: Caries-free subjects had a higher ammonia generation activity by urease and arginine deiminase system for both saliva and plaque samples than low caries-active subjects. High levels of alkali production in oral environment were related to caries-free subjects. .

Calcium binding to S. mutans grown in the presence or absence of sucrose

Sucrose is the most cariogenic dietary carbohydrate because it is a substrate for insoluble extracellular polysaccharide (IEPS) production in dental biofilms, which can proportionally decrease bacterial density and, consequently, the number of biofilm calcium (Ca) binding sites. Ca bound to bacterial cell walls can be released into the biofilm fluid during a cariogenic challenge, reducing the driving force for mineral dissolution provoked by the pH drop. Thus, we investigated the effect of an IEPS-rich extracellular matrix on bacterial Ca binding after treatment with Ca solutions. Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt 1600 was cultivated in culture broths supplemented with 1.0% sucrose or 0.5% glucose + 0.5% fructose. The IEPS concentration in bacterial pellets was determined after alkaline extraction. Bacterial pellets were treated with 1 mM or 10 mM Ca++ solutions at 37ºC for 10 to 60 min. Ca binding to bacterial pellets, determined after acid extraction using the Arsenazo III reagent, was fast and concentration dependent. Although the IEPS concentration was approximately ten times higher in bacterial pellets cultivated in sucrose as compared to its monossaccharides, bound Ca concentration after Ca treatment was similar in both conditions. These results suggest that IEPS may not influence the amount of Ca bound to reservoirs of dental biofilms.

Effect of different 1 percent chlorhexidine varnish regimens on biochemical composition of the dental biofilm / Efeito de diferentes posologias do verniz de clorexidina a 1 por cento na composição bioquímica do biofilme dentário

PURPOSE: This investigation evaluated in a randomized controlled study the effect of different 1 percent chlorhexidine varnish (1 percentCHX-V) regimens on biochemical composition of the dental biofilm. METHODS: Subjects with mutans streptococci > 10(5) CFU/mL saliva, were allocated into 4 groups: A - single 1 percent CHX-V application; B - 1 percent CHX-V was applied once daily on 3 consecutive days; C - 1 percent CHX-V was applied 3 times with an interval of 4 days between each application; and D - placebo varnish was applied once daily on 3 consecutive days. Dental biofilm samples were collected at baseline and 1, 4, and 8 weeks after the final varnish application and evaluated for inorganic phosphate and insoluble polysaccharide concentrations. RESULTS: No difference was observed between all groups during the different experimental periods in relation to biochemical composition. After 1 week, a significant increase was observed in inorganic phosphate concentration, returning to baseline values after 4 weeks. All groups showed a significant decrease in insoluble polysaccharide concentration for more than 8 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSION: Varnish application resulted in modification of the dental biofilm toward a less cariogenic one.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo avaliou o efeito de diferentes posologias do verniz de clorexidina a 1 por cento (V-CHX1 por cento) na composição bioquímica do biofilme dental. METODOLOGIA: Voluntários com níveis de Streptococcus mutans > 10(5) UFC/mL saliva, foram divididos em 4 grupos: A - uma única aplicação do V-CHX1 por cento; B - aplicações de 1x/dia do V-CHX1 por cento durante 3 dias consecutivos; C - 3 aplicações de 1x/dia do V-CHX1 por cento com intervalos de 4 dias entre elas; D - aplicações de 1x/dia do verniz placebo durante 3 dias consecutivos. Amostras de biofilme dental foram coletadas, no início e após 1, 4 e 8 semanas das aplicações dos vernizes, e analisadas quanto às concentrações de fosfato inorgânico (Pi) e polissacarídeos insolúveis (PI). RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças, em relação à composição bioquímica, entre os grupos durante os diferentes períodos experimentais. Foi observado, após 1 semana, um aumento significativo nas concentrações de Pi, retornando aos valores iniciais após 4 semanas. Todos os grupos apresentaram uma redução significativa na concentração de PI por mais de 8 semanas após os tratamentos. CONCLUSÃO: A aplicação do verniz resultou em uma modificação do biofilme dentário tornando-o menos cariogênico.

Staining and calculus formation after 0.12 percent chlorhexidine rinses in plaque-free and plaque covered surfaces: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVES: Studies concerning side effects of chlorhexidine as related to the presence of plaque are scarce. The purpose of this study was to compare the side effects of 0.12 percent chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) on previously plaque-free (control group) and plaque-covered surfaces (test group). METHODS: This study had a single-blind, randomized, split-mouth, 21 days-experimental gingivitis design, including 20 individuals who abandoned all mechanical plaque control methods during 25 days. After 4 days of plaque accumulation, the individuals had 2 randomized quadrants cleaned, remaining 2 quadrants with plaque-covered dental surfaces. On the fourth day, the individuals started with 0.12 percent CHX rinsing lasting for 21 days. Stain index intensity and extent as well as calculus formation were evaluated during the experimental period. RESULTS: Intergroup comparisons showed statistically higher (p<0.05) stain intensity and extent index as well as calculus formation over the study in test surfaces as compared to control surfaces. Thus, 26.19 percent of test surfaces presented calculus, whereas calculus was observed in 4.52 percent in control surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of plaque increased 0.12 percent CHX side effects. These results strengthen the necessity of biofilm disruption prior to the start of CHX mouthrinses in order to reduce side effects.

Study of changes in phosphate, calcium and fluoride ions in plaque and saliva after the administration of a fluoride mouth rinse.

In this study, the effects of 0.2% sodium fluoride mouthwash solution on calcium, phosphate and fluoride ion contents of saliva and microbial plaque was assessed. Fourteen volunteer students (7-12 years of age) of a boarding educational centre in Kerman City (Iran) were selected and under defined conditions, their saliva and plaque samples were collected. The concentrations of fluoride, calcium and phosphate ions of the samples were determined, and after 14 days, under the same conditions, the students were asked to rinse their mouth with 0.2% sodium fluoride mouthwash solution. The second set of saliva and plaque samples were collected and the concentrations of the ions were determined. Data was analyzed using paired t-test and the results were presented as tables. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. After using 0.2% sodium fluoride mouthwash solution, a significant increase was observed in the F 2 ion concentration both plaque ( P P < 0.000) of all the studied subjects, while the concentration of phosphate decreased in both saliva and plaque; however, this decrease was significant only in plaque ( P < 0.01). The calcium ion concentration decreased in both plaque and saliva; however, in none of them, the decrease was significant ( P> 0.09 and P> 0.2, respectively).

Plaque pH response to snack foods in children with different levels of mutans streptococci.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of some snack foods on plaque pH in children with different levels of mutans streptococci (MS). Six children, aged 9-12 years, with low (<10(4)) and 6 children, aged 10-12 years, with high (>106) numbers of MS/ml saliva participated in the study. Dental plaque pH changes, after the consumption of milk chocolate, sweet biscuit, instant noodle, sticky rice with banana and a 10% sucrose positive control were measured using pH-electrode. The measurements of plaque pH were made on forty-eight-hour accumulated plaque, at baseline to determine the resting pH of the fasted plaque and at time intervals of 2, 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes after food consumption. The plaque pH curves, delta pH values and area under curve for pH 6.0 for each test food were determined. Plaque acidogenicity was more pronounced for the high-MS group at almost all test periods compared to the low-MS group with all test foods. The test foods were ranked according to maximum pH drop in about the same order in both groups as follows: 10% sucrose > milk chocolate > sweet biscuit > sticky rice with banana > instant noodle. The plaque pH also stayed below pH 6.00 for a longer period in the high-MS group with sweet biscuit, milk chocolate, and sticky rice with banana. Findings suggest that pH responses were more acidic in high-MS group than low-MS group.

Detection and measurement of oral malodour in periodontitis patients.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Malodour has been correlated with the concentration of volatile sulphur compounds produced in the oral cavity by metabolic activity of bacteria colonizing the periodontal sites and the dorsum of the tongue. The aim of this study was to detect malodour in mouth air organoleptically and using a portable sulphide monitor and to correlate it with the clinical parameters, halitosis linked toxins and BANA, using tongue and subgingival plaque samples. The halitosis grading is also correlated with the microbial colonies of the subgingival plaque sample. METHODS: 20 patients with chronic periodontitis with 5-7 mm pocket depth, radiographic evidence of bone loss and presence of oral malodour participated in this study. Assessment of mouth air was done organoleptically and by using a portable sulphide monitor. The clinical parameter, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (BI), were obtained from all the areas. Samples for BANA and to detect halitosis linked toxins were taken from the dorsal surface of the tongue and periodontal pockets ranging 5-7 mm. Halitosis related microbial colonies were identified using anaerobic culturing from the subgingival plaque. RESULTS: The scores of PI, GI, BI and sample that tested positive for halitosis linked toxins and with the halitosis grading were not significant. The presence of tongue coating and the halitosis grading and toxin levels were significant. BANA has shown to be non contributory due to technical problems. Anaerobic culture has shown to identify Streptococcus, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas and Prevotella colonies. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The results confirmed that there was no correlation between the clinical parameters, halitosis linked toxins and halitosis grading. The microbial colonies have shown to correlate with the presence of oral malodour.

Composition of dental plaque formed in the presence of sucrose and after its interruption

Desde que os reservatórios de flúor (F), cálcio (Ca) e fósforo inorgânico (Pi) na placa dental são suscetíveis a quedas de pH, este estudo in situ cruzado foi conduzido para testar a hipótese de que baixas concentrações destes íons na placa, formada na presença de sacarose, poderiam ser atribuídas simplesmente à fermentação deste açúcar. Onze voluntários utilizaram dispositivos palatinos contendo seis blocos de esmalte dental humano durante duas fases. Em cada fase os tratamentos foram solução de sacarose a 20 por cento ou água destilada deionizada, que foram gotejadas sobre os blocos 8 vezes ao dia. Após 28 dias, em cada fase, a placa dental formada sobre dois blocos foi coletada, o tratamento foi invertido e após um tempo adicional de 24 e 48 horas, o biofilme formado foi coletado dos outros blocos. A concentração de F, Ca e Pi solúvel em ácido e a concentração de polissacarídeo insolúvel (PI) foram determinadas na placa dental. Concentrações estatisticamente menores de F, Ca e Pi, e uma concentração maior de PI foram encontradas no biofilme de 28 dias formado na presença de sacarose do que na sua ausência; após a inversão do tratamento a mudança no F, Ca e Pi não foi estatisticamente significante, mas a concentração de PI mudou significativamente. A hipótese foi rejeitada porque a mudança na concentração de F, Ca e Pi não é devida à fermentação da sacarose.

Agentes antimicrobianos no controle da placa bacteriana: avaliaçäo do efeito residual em escolares de 9 e 10 anos de idade / Antimicrobial agents on plaque control: evaluation of the residual effects in schoolchildren

Muitos estudos têm demonstrado que a clorexidina é o agente antimicrobiano mais eficiente no controle de placa bacteriana e prevençäo da gengivite. Objetivo. Avaliar clinicamente o efeito residual do gluconato de clorexidina a 0,12 por cento (Periogard©) e do cloreto de cetilpiridínio a 0,05 por cento (Cepacol©) no controle da placa bacteriana. Métodos. O estudo foi realizado em 108 escolares, de ambos os sexox, com idade de 9 a 10 anos, que foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com o produto que foi usado por 5 dias consecutivos: grupo Cepacol© (CE), Grupo Periogard© (P) e Grupo Controle(C). Através da utilizaçäo do índice de Turesky avaliou-se a presença da placa bacteriana nas fases: antes do início dos bochechos (Pré-bochecho), após o 5º bochecho realizado (E1), após 3 dias (E2), após 7 dias (E3) e após 13dias (E4) da suspensäo dos bochechos. Resultados. Através do teste "t" de Student: 1) os três grupos apresentaram menor índice de placa bacteriana na fase E1 do que na fase Pré-bochecho, tanto na amostra do sexo feminino como no sexo masculino, revelando o efeito bactericida desses produtos; 2) no sexo feminino e também no masculino, as fases E2, E3 e E4 apresentaram maior índices de placa bacteriana que na fase E1 para os três produtos. No grupo C para o sexo masculino a fase E2 apresentou índice de placa bacteriana maior que na fase Pré-bochecho; 3) o grupo CE para o sexo feminino nas fases E3 e E4 apresentaram índices mais elevados que na fase Pré-bochecho, 4) na fase E1 o grupo CE e P, para o sexo feminino mostraram maiores efeitos bactericidas que o grupo C. Conclusöes. O grupo P no sexo feminino e no masculino apresentou efeito residual na fase E2 e nenhum efeito nas fases E3 e E4, permitindo-se concluir que näo ocorreu efeito residual prolongado. Em relaçäo ao grupo CE näo ocorreu efeito residual na fase E2

Parâmetros bioquímicos, velocidade de formação da placa dental e sua relação com a experiência de cárie, em escolares de 11 a 13 de idade / Biochemical parameters, plaque formation velocity and its relationship with caries experience, in schoolchildren aged 11 to 13 years old

O objetivo desta tese foi verificar em uma amostra aleatória de adolescentes que parâmetros bioquímicos são mais importantes em relação à história de cárie dental de cada paciente. Diferentemente de outros estudo, nenhum esforço foi feito para selecionar indivíduos com baixo e alto índice de cárie. Completaram o experimento uma amostra de 101 voluntários, nas idade de 11 a 13 anos. Pertenciam ao sexo feminino 55 e ao masculino 46. Foram usados para a cárie dental os índices CPOD e CPOS. Foram estudados os seguintes parâmetros considerados estarem relacionados à cárie dentla: (1) taxa de formação de placa; (2) pH da placa; (3) concentrações de Cálcio, Fósforo e Flúor na placa dental. A cárie dental prevaleceu mais no sexo feminino que no masculino (p<0.01). A taxa de formação de placa tendeu ser maior em indivíduos com um alto índice de cárie, contudo a diferença não foi significante a p<0.05. As concentrações de Fósforo e Flúor, por outro lado tenderam a serem maiores em indivíduos com baixo CPOD e CPOS, mas novamente os resultados não foram significantes. O Cálcio também mostrou uma tendência semelhante. Entretanto, os indivíduos com uma concentração de Cálcio, na placa dental, menor do que a média da concentração de Cálcio de todos os indivíduos, tiveram um alto CPOD e CPOS (p<0.05 e p<0.01, respectivamente). Independentemente dos índices alto ou baixo, as médias das curvas de pH foram semelhantes. Contudo, o tempo para alcançar o pH mínimo foi ligeiramente mais curto para o sexo feminino. Em conclusão, a concentração de Cálcio na placa dental parece ser o parâmetro que melhor se relaciona à cárie dental.

Purificaçäo da parede celular de microorganismos da placa dental / Purification of the cellular wall of dental plaque microorganisms

Estabeleceu-se uma metodologia para purificaçäo da parede celular de microorganismos da placa dental. O material purificado tornou-se um agente flogógeno útil em modelos de estudo de reaçöes inflamatórias agudas crônicas

Efeito do dentifrício no controle mecânico da placa bacteriana / Effect of toothpaste in the mechanic control of bacterial plaque

Dois grupos de 22 indivíduos foram submetidos à motivação, utilizando, ou não, o dentifrício como coadjuvante da escovação dentária. Para tanto, 6 índices de placa foram obtidos através do índice de higiene oral de Greene & Vermillion. Os pacientes, avaliados em períodos de intervalo de 1 a 2 semanas, receberam supervisão e orientação direta. A análise estatística dos resultados obtidos mostrou diferença insignificante no controle mecânico da placa, entre os dois grupos. Isto permitiu concluir que o dentifrício não exerce papel preponderante no controle mecânico da placa bacteriana